PhD means Pretty Hard Degree... !?
Pune Mirror: Getting a doctorate has become tougher now with the new UGC norms. The UoP has devised a pattern with two entrance tests, interviews and presentations.
By Arundhati Ranade
Posted On Tuesday, January 05, 2010
The University of Pune (UoP) is ready to conduct its first ever PhD entrance test, as per the latest norms laid down by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The revised rules for PhD candidates were decided by UoP last week. According to the new rules, entrance tests would be carried out twice a year and in two sessions — each with 100 marks.
Candidates who get a minimum of 50 per cent marks in the first paper will be allowed to appear for the second paper. The first entrance test will be held this month.
Paper I of 100 marks will test the candidates’ general aptitude towards research. The successful candidates will be allowed to appear for paper II which will be a faculty-specific paper.
Successful candidates will be allotted a research guide depending on the number of candidates per faculty member and the available specialisation of the guide.
After this process, the PhD aspirant has to face an interview before a committee constituting of the Head of Department (HoD), Board of Studies Chairman and two subject experts. An interviewer nominated by the vice-chancellor will also be there.
Aspiring candidates also have to make a brief presentation before the committee. As per the new norms, course work of 20 credits is also compulsory.
Rules have been revised for guides too. No guide is allowed to take on more than 8 PhD and 5 MPhil candidates. And every six months, the candidate is to submit a progress report to the HoD.
